The ability of UP to attract and retain top corporate talent was always in question for the following reasons:
First, the company is based in Omaha. Nobody wants to live in Omaha.
Second, there is no work-life balance. Nobody wants to be on call 24/7/365, work 24 hour shifts, or be subject to recall from vacation (if you can even get your manager to approve it to begin with). Also, no sick time. Really.
Third, UP does not put people in positions that match their qualifications. If you're going to walk around calling yourself "Director of Track/Bridge/Signal Maintence" you should have something to your name besides a GED (ex. masters degree in transportation engineering and a state liscense).
Finally, there's the unions. Enough said.
Originally posted by @YTVOtCb-tzf.